Leeds United are ready to shrug off the disappointment of missing out on Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao, and are making moves in the background to add more attacking verve to the team. The Whites are now progressing towards adding more goals and creativity to their squad.
The Whites have spent a shade over £75m this summer for seven new players, but six of those new faces are defenders and midfielders. Lukas Nmecha has been the only attacking addition to their promotion-winning squad, and he arrived on a free transfer. More money is set to be forked out on forwards in the coming weeks.
Leeds were keen to sign Paixao and made every effort possible to convince the winger to move to Elland Road. However, the Brazilian had a clear idea about joining French giants Marseille and playing Champions League football next season,
The Whites have now pivoted and, apart from their priority of signing a new striker, the club are now making moves towards adding a more versatile attacking midfielder to their squad this summer.
Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from?
Leeds United are ready to trigger the release clause to snare Bilal El Khannouss away from Leicester City
Bilal El Khannouss has emerged as a top target for Leeds in the last few days, and serious effort is being made to take him to Elland Road this summer.
He was one of the bright lights of a Leicester side who got relegated from the Premier League last season, and a few clubs have their eyes on him.
According to Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Leeds held talks with the player’s representatives on Wednesday and made their intentions clear.
The Whites have communicated to the player that they are happy to trigger the £24.5m release clause in his Leicester contract, and pay all the solidarity contributions and taxes to the Foxes to take the Moroccan to Elland Road.
Leeds are pushing hard to convince the player, and are prepared to pay the money needed to snare the attacking midfielder away from the King Power Stadium.
A deal needs to be done soon, as El Khannouss’ release clause will only remain in effect until 15th August.
An upgrade on Brenden Aaronson
El Khannouss was one of the only players who looked decent in a very poor Leicester side last season, which got relegated from the Premier League.
He had some good performances and looked lively as the attacking midfielder in the team, while his teammates around him floundered.
With Paixao not coming, Leeds have pivoted to trying to sign the Leicester star, who can be the creative hub of the team behind the forward line.
There are question marks over Brenden Aaronson’s ability to cope with the Premier League’s physical demands, and El Khannouss will not need any time to adjust.
Leeds are banking on the player looking even better in a more structured team under Daniel Farke.
